Group A risking humble lives to scale their Everest.

All of the Manangatang students woke up at the crack of dawn the bus’ engine was rumbling. After a grueling 6 hour trip (1 hour at Macca’s) we arived at the famed Rubicon Outdoor Centre. We all piled off the bus, anxious for some fresh air. We met the other kids from Echuca, settled into our cosy dorms and were told all of the tricks of the trade (which included a lot of rules, too many if you ask me   We then had a bit of free time, which the majority of us spent fooling around in the recreational room. After some butt whoopong in table tenis we settled down for a quick meal of pizza and dessert of Ice Cream and chocolate. The next day we went for a spin on the lovely horses from Rubicon Valley Riding School.  A great time to be had by all and there were a lot of smiling kids. We traversed through a variety of terrains including a small passage of water and numerous paddocks. After a quick break and a lovely meal prepared by the cooks , we  set of f to scale Mount Rubicon ( which is really a wall with sticky out fake rocks). It was hard on the biceps and a great time was had by all. Thats all for now. See yall next week.

The awesome Group B

After an early wake at seven, and a quick breakky, we were off to tackle the rock wall. Before trying it out, we had to gear up with helmets and harnesses (that were very uncomfortable), and then had a practise to make sure we were going to be safe. Trusting our partners, we gradually made our way to the top of the wall, some finding it difficult, others making it in no time and

Jake flying through the abseiling

with ease. Next up was abseiling. Challenges were overcome, and many found it rewarding. After a quick lunch of spaghetti and our prizes of half a Mars Bar from the previous night’s games, Group B travelled down the road to the Rubicon Valley Riding School, where they were paired up with a horse (some with matched personalities!). Walking, trotting and cantering through paddocks, water and on roads,

Group B trotting along

we safely made it back with no injuries.  Later, after a tea of some yummy fish and chips, we were on the road to Eildon Pondage, for an evening walk around the water. Soon  after the relaxing stroll, supper and bedtime were upon us, the end of a great day!

Enjoying the view from the top of the rock wall

Boys rearrange their harnesses

Scary old man – our teacher

Braden doing it with ease

Jackson havin’ a hard time

As we all jumped on the bus, We were on our way down to the Rubicon river for a challenging walk through the rocks.

After walking through Rubicon River we went to Lake Eildon for a canoeing  session with phil 

(AKA ?  pin man).                       

As looking for somthing else to do our mate “pin man” took us for a look at the beutiful Snobs Creek falls ( AKA water fall).

As for being so relaxed we went to do somting wild( THE ROPES COURSE).

Hi All,

Kim here, back on board for another couple of programs with the ROC team.

The weather looks good and the students should be a great bunch. I’m excited.

See you all out there.

ROC on!

Those crazy cats on the river.

Group A Horse riding today

Cooling off

Rubicon camp has provided us with opportunities to expand on and learn more about leadership. Through our enjoyable activities we have taken on leadership roles and been taught different types and characteristics of being better leaders. Being the leader gave us a chance to work on our communication and diplomacy skills. We all participated in a topical debate and conversation as to whether leaders are born or made. Very good arguments and ideas were put forward for both sides displaying the depth of the topic. No matter how we came to be leaders, we all posess the skills required to take on responsibilities and tackle situations. WE ARE LEADERS

The very first thing that we did at Rubicon camp was go for a walk to a waterhole which followed Rubicon river. This activity was called rock hopping, as it involved us jumping from rock to rock slipping and falling as we went. Many people got drenched before we got to the waterhole because nearly everybody slipped on the rocks and ended up walking in the water. Once there everyone jumped straight in the ice cold water which was the best thing on the whole camp considering it was 30 degrees every day. At the end of this tiring adventure we got to go back to camp and had free time in the recreation hall with the pool table and tennis table . The next morning we got up early and made our way to the Lake Eildon to do canoeing, except most of us ended up just capsizing and swimming instead. We raced each other in the boats and learnt the basics of canoeing and comunicating with our partner. In the end it became teachers vs. students in a game that involded throwing a toy chicken and ball into each others boats, which concluded in a splashing and dunking fight. So far this camp has been the best out of the highschool choises, the outdoors is extremely beautiful and the people are incredibly friendly.

Eating lunch after our canoe trip

Jayden and David failed

Underwater Katie’s a legend!

Walking to the waterhole along the Rubicon river

The first thing Group D will remember about the high ropes course, would be the bridge that everyone was scared wouldn’t hold the weight of the bus. Fourtunately our transportation was safe and we were able to make it to our destination, the Rubicon High Ropes. Thanks to our very helpful instructor Phil, we were all succesful in learning to fit our safety harnesses. Once everyone had practiced making sure they were secured in to the ropes, it was finally time to take the challenge! Some people were a bit frightened at first whilst others were more comfortable with the high environment, but thanks to the great encouragement from everyone we all knew we were safe. It was such a great feeling; the feeling of accomplishment once we finished a circuit. Next it was time to move to the high high ropes – approx 10m off the ground. They were a lot more terrifying but we were all able to manage. Once everyone had had a turn we had some fun on the flying fox and ate lunch.  We then came back home and got ready for the next exciting activity. Overall it was a thrilling adventure, and I think we all learned something about leadership.

Our group at the High Ropes Course

This is us taking up the challenge

 

They call this Leadership!

Welcome to the Rubicon Outdoor Centre Student Blog.  During Term 4 2009 students who visit Rubicon will begin using this blog to record their thoughts, reflections and learning on this site in the form of written blogs, movies and audio recordings.

Test image of canoeing